Chiltern 1XV 8 - 14 Milton Keynes

Saturday 15th December

On a chilly day at Weedon Lane, Chiltern welcomed Milton Keynes looking to turn around the result from a few weeks previous, where even Milton Keynes expressed their amazement at some of the refereeing decisions! But that was in the past.

So MK kicked off and put Chiltern under immediate pressure. The malaise, that was evident in the Chiltern warm up, seemed to be carried into the game. After about 15 mins, Chiltern kicked the ball straight to the MKs winger, who counter passed to their other winger, who then chipped ahead and with an awkward bounce defeated Pagey on the wing and their winger gathered and jotted down. Their conversion was successful 0-7. The half continued with MK applying pressure and Chiltern making mistakes in attack although tackling well. Chiltern held out until about 5 mins before the interval when the MK fly half found some space on the wing and dummied the full back (Yogi not Dan) and put the ball down in the corner. The MK kicker converted well 0-14. Chiltern clung on until the break and in the last move of the half managed to show what they were capable of with a flowing move just being forced into touch within the MK 22.

Half time score - Chiltern 0 Milton Keynes 14

Buoyed by the way they ended the half and the roasting from the coaches at half time, Chiltern were a different side after the break. Things started to come together, Gareth Ellis went on a storming run through the heart of the MK defence, unfortunately, this resulted in him twisting his ankle and he was replaced by the equally impressive Colm in the second row. Chiltern were now starting to string moves together but they were let down by some rather panicky decisions by players on the final pass/kick. Midway through the half Chiltern did manage get it right and one of  the centres went across the white wash (I think it was Shaun but not 100%). The conversion was missed 5-14. Chiltern were now playing all the rugby and MK were putting up a very impressive defensive performance. Although, they did infringe once and Dan slotted the resulting penalty 8 –14. Some additional good defence, kept Pagey off the score board when he was held up in the corner for what would have been his first 1XV try. Chiltern were now using the pick and goes and finding some space in behind, giving Nic and the backs good quick ball to work from, although the propensity of our backs to kick good counter attack ball returned and a couple of chances went begging. The result could still have gone either way and right into the final minutes Chiltern were hammering at the door but alas they could not find a way through and the game ended 8-14.

A great game in the end (once we had woken up) and we left ourselves just a little too much to do. Mention must go to Nic Rastelli for a Man of the match performance. Although, he left a little to be desired in the post match boat race! Maybe a half pint next time! It was also good to see a large number of the players treading the tiles in Amersham that night. 

Next game Olney away on the 5th January Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year.

[Blame Yogi for the poor English]